Bourse Europe Est

February 28, 2007 -  - 
Turnover up across all Group regions and segments 
Net sales 29.8 percent higher at CHF 24 billion 
Operating EBITDA lifted 31.5 percent to CHF 6.1 billion 
Operating profit improves 32.2 percent to CHF 4.4 billion 
Net income rises 52 percent to CHF 2.7 billion 
Net income (attributable to equity holders of Holcim Ltd) increases 39.2 percent to CHF 2.1 billion; this corresponds to earnings per dividend-bearing share of CHF 8.64 
Cash flow from operating activities increases by 29.9 percent to CHF 4.4 billion 
Proposal to raise dividend by 21.2 percent to CHF 2.00 gross per registered share
2006 consolidated financial statements
Holcim achieved new financial records in 2006. The dynamic state of the construction sector in virtually all markets and the exceptionally favorable weather conditions for construction operations during the whole year boosted demand for products and services. The global spread of Holcim meant that the company particularly benefited. Approximately three quarters of the Group's total cement capacity is located in developing markets which are seeing high growth in the building materials sector. 
Holcim also made remarkable progress on the cost front. This has been achieved by optimizing plant capacity, by innovative products and numerous efficiency improvements. In addition, Holcim leads the field when it comes to replacing fossil fuels with alternative energy sources. Overall, the Group shows a very good performance. 
There was an above average 13.2 percent increase in internal operating EBITDA growth. Net income rose by 52 percent, which prompted the Board of Directors to propose a dividend increase to the Annual General Meeting. 
Sales trend and financial results
Cement deliveries increased to 140.7 million tonnes (2005: 110.6). In particular, this reflects Holcim's strengthened presence in India. The first-time full-year consolidation of Aggregate Industries and the acquisition of Meyer Material Company in the US and Foster Yeoman in the UK resulted in a sizable rise in sales of aggregates to 187.6 million tonnes (2005: 169.3) and ready-mix concrete to 44.2 million cubic meters (2005: 38.2). Asphalt deliveries increased to 15.3 million tonnes (2005: 13.3). 
Operating EBITDA reached CHF 6.086 billion (2005: 4.627) on net sales of CHF 23.969 billion (2005: 18.468). The operating EBITDA margin rose to 25.4 percent (2005: 25.1). Consolidated operating profit increased by 32.2 percent to CHF 4.385 billion (2005: 3.316). Cash flow from operating activities also reached a significantly higher level at CHF 4.423 billion (2005: 3.405). Net income (attributable to equity holders of Holcim Ltd) increased 39.2 percent to CHF 2.104 billion (2004: 1.511). 

Acquisitions and efficient cost management in a strong construction industry produce record results 
November 08, 2006 -  - 
Higher sales volumes across all Group regions and segments.
Net sales up 31 percent to CHF 17.514 billion. 
28 percent rise in operating EBITDA to CHF 4.489 billion.
Operating profit advances 27 percent to CHF 3.281 billion.
Net income increases 43 percent to CHF 1.950 billion.
Cash flow from operating activities increases by 26 percent to CHF 2.348 billion. 
Holcim on track for growth
In the first nine months of the year, sales continued to increase in all Group regions and segments. Financial results also developed well.
The global construction industry has lost momentum in some areas. Holcim succeeded in offsetting somewhat weaker demand in North America and several Asian countries with growth in other markets.
Higher sales volumes, price adjustments and efficiency increases were in combination with acquisitions key to the Group’s success and helped to counter higher energy costs, competitive pressure and in some countries government price controls.
Consolidated cement sales rose by 25.1 percent to 103.8 million tonnes in the period under review. Holcim achieved its largest volume increases in Group regions Asia Pacific and Latin America.
Sales of aggregates saw a substantial improvement of 12.8 percent to 138 million tonnes. Additional deliveries by Aggregate Industries were a significant factor here. Higher output in western and southeastern Europe and South Africa also made an impact.
Shipments of ready-mix concrete increased by 16.7 percent to 32.8 million cubic meters. Aggregate Industries generated additional volumes in Europe and North America.
 Group 3Q results
Consolidated net sales increased by 30.5 percent to CHF 17.514 billion. At CHF 4.489 billion (+28.2 percent), operating EBITDA was higher in all Group regions. The strongest increase (121.6 percent) was reported by Group region Asia Pacific, followed by Europe with 16.8 percent, North America with 15.1 percent, Latin America with 13 percent and Africa Middle East with 8 percent. Group internal operating EBITDA growth reached 10.9 percent. Factoring in the changes in the scope of consolidation and in product mix, the operating EBITDA margin was, as might be expected, somewhat lower at 25.6 percent. Excluding acquisition and currency effects, the operating EBITDA margin improved to 26.5 percent (first nine months of 2005: 26.1) despite an increase in energy costs. Consolidated operating profit rose by 27.4 percent to CHF 3.281 billion, and cash flow from operating activities came to CHF 2.348 billion (first nine months of 2005: 1.864). Group net income was 43.2 percent higher at CHF 1.950 billion, and the share of net income attributable to equity holders of Holcim Ltd was CHF 1.505 billion, corresponding to an increase of 30.5 percent.

June 26, 2006 - Aggregate Industries, a wholly owned subsidiary of Holcim Ltd, has agreed to acquire 100 percent of Meyer Material Company (Meyer) for USD 231 million from U.S. Equity Partners, L.P. and Park Avenue Equity Partners, L.P. Completion of the acquisition is anticipated to occur in July 2006 subject to regulatory approval. 
Meyer, based near Chicago in Illinois, is a leading supplier of aggregates, ready-mix concrete and concrete paving products. The company's primary markets are located in the Northwestern part of Metropolitan Chicago and Southeastern Wisconsin. Meyer operates 6 sand and gravel pits as well as 25 ready-mix concrete plants and a modern concrete paving products manufacturing facility. Meyer has 125 million tonnes of reserves as well as considerable underground reserves which may be considered for future development. The company employs about 750 people.
Last year, Meyer sold approximately 5 million tonnes of aggregates, 1.5 million cubic meters of ready-mix concrete and 0.5 million square meters of concrete paving and retaining wall systems. In 2005, net sales reached approximately USD 190 million.
The acquisition of this well positioned construction materials company strengthens Aggregate Industries’ aggregates and related businesses positions in the US. Meyer provides a new platform for the future growth of the Holcim Group in the fast growing suburbs of Chicago, the third largest city in the US. In addition, Holcim expects to achieve significant synergies from more efficient cement logistics and product optimization at Holcim US. Meyer is to be fully integrated into Aggregate Industries’ US operations and will be managed as a new region. This acquisition reinforces Holcim's dual product strategy centering on cement and aggregates in the US.